Xanxus' eyes, having been closed for a brief moment in deep thought, bolted open at the sudden threat by Darrian. He simply laughed, guiding the horse close to the side of Darrian's steed and taking him by the sleeve, struggling to not hurl the man off of their horse and to the ground. [b][i]"I don't care who you are, nor what flashy authority I have in your little game of kings and queens; your privilege of my friendship and association is one easily severed, and one I never asked nor wanted. Your label of my mercy as a failure is clearly a theory beset by an ignorant understanding."[/i][/b]

Xanxus spoke louder for the rest of the troops to hear, finding it more difficult to hold himself back from tossing Darrian off of the horse. If Darrian had sought to incite Xanxus, he had been successful, albeit with a different reaction than expected most likely. [b][i]"If you would like, I will make your reign as Exalt shorter than your mother's was. I will put you and this entire incestuous, disgraceful country beneath the soil."[/i][/b]

[b]"So, would that be enough to [i]redeem myself,[/i] Darrian?"[/b] Xanxus released his grip on Darrian's sleeve, transitioning back into boredom.